ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Eager to extend a streak that began more than two decades earlier, Virginia Tech put on a performance that took some of the sting out of an otherwise disappointing season.

The Hokies’ 33-17 victory over Cincinnati in the Military Bowl on Saturday extended to 22 the number of consecutive winning seasons Virginia Tech has enjoyed under coach Frank Beamer, who watched from a perch high above the field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

BALTIMORE — The game was over, and it was time for Navy to celebrate its 13th straight victory over Army.

After the Midshipmen stood respectfully for Army’s alma mater, defensive ends Paul Quessenberry and Will Anthony hoisted Ken Niumatalolo on their shoulders to give the winningest football coach in Navy history a free ride in the wake of a 17-10 triumph Saturday.

Niumatalolo (56-35) broke a tie with George Welsh for most wins at Navy. He also became the first to win his first seven games against Army (4-8).

BALTIMORE — Navy’s unprecedented 12-game winning streak against Army has increased the pressure on both teams today.

The Cadets are desperate to snap a slide that began when the current crop of players were in grade school. The Midshipmen are determined to maintain the upper hand in a series that began in 1890.

“The streak is out there. Everybody on the team, everybody at the school realizes that,” Navy senior captain Parrish Gaines said. “It does kind of seem like something we’ve got to do. Everybody I’ve played with on this team has beat these guys every year.”

BALTIMORE — Following another successful road show, the Royals are heading back to Kansas City with momentum and history on their side in the AL Championship Series.

Alcides Escobar doubled in the go-ahead run in the ninth inning, Mike Moustakas extended his home run-binge and the Royals remained perfect in the playoffs, beating the Baltimore Orioles 6-4 Saturday for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven matchup.

BALTIMORE — The way Nelson Cruz and the Baltimore Orioles are hitting this season, it may not matter much who pitches for the other guys.

Cruz and J.J. Hardy homered, and the Orioles hammered out 12 hits in defeating Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and the Detroit Tigers 12-3 Thursday in the opener of their AL Division Series.

Jonathan Schoop and Alejandro De Aza each had two hits and two RBIs for the Orioles, who turned a close game into a rout with an eight-run eighth inning against Scherzer and three ineffective relievers.